Life is complicated and the enemy deceiving; without a disciplined pursuit of wisdom and instruction, we risk falling captive to lies and short-cut solutions to our problems. The diligent pursuit of wisdom will train us to act wisely and prepare us for difficulties in life.

Teachable people don’t have to be the smartest to succeed—they seek to learn and grow in any and every situation. Being teachable is a foundational quality for everybody: workers, students, husbands, wives, and especially those in leadership roles. If you’re wondering how to grow in teachability, perhaps there’s no better place to turn than the Bible’s wisdom book.

How to Be Teachable According to Proverbs

1. Be humble.

“Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.”  Proverbs 3:7-8

“Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” Proverbs 26:12

Humility is the starting point for teachability because teachable souls know their need for learning. Prideful people think they know more than everyone else and don’t need to learn more. Teachable people know there is always something more to learn from everybody.

The humble person…

• Is aware of his or her weaknesses.
• Is conscious of blind spots.
• Is slow to speak and quick to listen (James 1:19).
• Owns up to his or her failures.
• Considers others more highly than him or herself (Philippians 2:3).
• Asks for feedback even when it is not offered.

According to Proverbs 3:7-8, humility coupled with a fear of the Lord results in healing and refreshment—something we all desire in increasing measure. Christian, strive for humility in all of life, for “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom” (Proverbs 11:2).

2. Actively seek wisdom and instruction as if your life depended on it.

“The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight.
Prize her highly, and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her.
She will place on your head a graceful garland; she will bestow on you a beautiful crown.
Keep hold of instruction; do not let go; guard her, for she is your life.” Proverbs 4:7-9, 13

Maybe you know someone (or are someone) who desperately seeks counsel while in crisis-mode but fails to pursue wisdom when things are going well. The Bible calls that person a fool (Proverbs 1:7). Don’t be like that person.

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